The Lakers’ Tuesday exit interviews revealed a similar thread, with questions circulating about Pau Gasol’s future in Los Angeles.

Gasol met with general manager Mitch Kupchak just before facing reporters, but remained unsure of his place with the Lakers franchise. While he said he is hopeful he will return to the Lakers, Gasol knows there are no guarantees.

"The future is uncertain, there's no doubt about it," Gasol said, according to the Los Angeles Times. "I don't know the exact percentages of it but I'm prepared either way."

The Lakers, who finished their season with a 4-0 sweep loss to the Spurs, intend to re-sign free agent center Dwight Howard as the centerpiece for years to come. With Bryant aging, the hope in Los Angeles is that their excellence will continue on for the next decade with Howard at the forefront.

Because the Lakers might need to maneuver to improve their standing in the West, Gasol could become an expendable piece. Gasol is set to make $19.3 million next season, and paying for Gasol, Howard and Bryant could reduce flexibility for a team Bryant says needs to improve “length, speed and athleticism.”

"I would really love to see our core guys coming back,” Bryant said. “It's a no-brainer. We need them to get where we need to go."

Gasol is least likely to return of any player in that group. The Lakers have explored trades for Gasol in the past, even trading him in a deal for Chris Paul that commissioner David Stern later nixed.

"The reality is they were exploring and I was the piece to move," Gasol said. "I was pretty proud on how I was able to handle the tough points of those situations."

Regardless of the past, Gasol remains committed to the Lakers franchise.

"I would prefer to stay. I feel like I belong with the Lakers," Gasol said. "I would prefer to stay, but I'm prepared if I am not."